Road skates

ABSTRACT

A road skate that includes enlarged main wheels, enlarged axle assemblies, and an improved braking system. The road skates include a platform with a shoe or boot attached to a top side, and two sets of enlarged main wheels attached to a bottom side. One axle assembly is positioned generally below a toe area of the platform and one axle assembly is positioned generally below a heel area of the platform. The road skates may also include an improved braking system that incorporates one or more brake wheels. A brake wheel may be positioned forward of the fore main wheels or aft of the aft main wheels, and allows for smoother, more controlled braking. Each brake wheel assembly includes a tensioning screw that allows a user to adjust the frictional resistance that is applied to the free rotation of the brake wheel. Thus, the amount of resistance, and braking force, that the brake wheel provides is adjustable by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to roller skates.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Generally, roller skates are well known and appear in two basicvarieties, the first having a boot or shoe permanently attached to asole plate from which the skate wheel axles depend, and the secondhaving a platform and safety straps that allow a user to temporallysecure the roller skates to the bottom of an ordinary pair of shoes.

[0005] Roller skates typically have relatively small wheels and,therefore, usually require a fairly smooth and debris free skatingsurface.

[0006] While wearing roller skates, skaters must be able to controltheir speed and bring themselves to a quick and controlled stop, ifnecessary. To accomplish this, three basic braking techniques haveemerged, which allow the skater to slow down or stop. The firsttechnique involves the use of a hard rubber brake pad that is typicallymounted in front of the skater's toe, approximately one inch above theskating surface. If the skater wishes to slow down or stop, he or shemust lift the heel of the skate, thereby tilting the skate forward andcontacting the brake pad with the skating surface. This contact createsfriction and provides a braking action.

[0007] The second technique requires the skater to shift his or herweight over one skate, lift the wheels of the other skate and turn themsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of motion, then, graduallyshift weight back over the perpendicular skate to force the wheels ofthe perpendicular skate onto the skating surface. In this manner, thewheels of the perpendicular skate create friction and providing abraking action.

[0008] The third basic braking technique requires the skater to performone or more tight radius turns, which cause the roller skate wheels toskid slightly and thereby provide a braking action. This techniquerequires the skater to perform, for example, one tight radius turn tostop or several short radius, or “S”, turns to reduce or maintain speed,particularly while traveling downhill.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Unfortunately, because of their relatively small wheels, knownroller skates are not well suited for travel over uneven or irregularskating surfaces, particularly if the surfaces include debris, such aspebbles, rocks, twigs, and the like.

[0010] Furthermore, known braking techniques and systems make itdifficult for the skater, especially if the skater is a novice, tocontrol the amount of friction, or braking force, that the brake padproduces. Thus, for example, if the skating surface is relatively roughor uneven, a skater may lift the heel of the skate to apply the brake,and immediately experience a substantial braking force. The immediacy ofthe braking force may result in the skater losing balance and control.Conversely, if the skating surface is substantially smooth or polished,a skater may find it difficult to apply enough force to the brake pad toachieve a desired amount of braking force. This may cause the skater tofail to stop before a collision.

[0011] Additionally, use of the brake pad or perpendicular skidding ofthe skate wheels results in wear on the brake pad and the wheels, whichoften results in the shape of the brake pad or wheels being changed.This change in shape can cause not only deterioration in the brakingcharacteristics of the brake pad, but also a hindrance to the rotationof the skate wheels.

[0012] These situations may be exacerbated by various factors, such as,for example, the weight and relative speed of the skater, the skatingsurface and grade, and the size and condition of the brake pad. Yet,known skates fail to provide an adequately adjustable braking mechanismthat can be tailored by the skater to various skating conditions or theskater's skill level.

[0013] Thus, the present invention provides a road skate with animproved braking system. In various exemplary embodiments, thisinvention includes a platform whereon a shoe or boot may be permanentlyor temporarily attached to a top side of the platform. Two sets ofenlarged main wheels are rotatably connected, via two enlarged axleassemblies, to a bottom side of the platform. One axle assembly ispositioned generally below a toe area of the platform (the fore axleassembly) and one axle assembly is positioned generally below a heelarea of the platform (the aft axle assembly). In various exemplaryembodiments, the axle assemblies are substantially similar to the axle,or truck, assemblies commonly found on skateboards.

[0014] By using the enlarged axle assemblies, relatively large mainwheels may be fitted to the road skates. Preferably, the enlarged axleassemblies include an axle that allows the main wheels to extend beyondthe platform or foot area. In this manner, wheels having a diameter thatis significantly larger than the diameter of known roller-skate wheelscan be used on the road skates.

[0015] While skating, the diameter of the enlarged main wheels providesan improved ratio between the size of objects on or variations in theskating surface and the enlarged main wheels, when compared to typicalroller skate wheels. This improved object-to-wheel ratio allows a skaterusing the road skates of this invention to skate over a wider variety ofskating surfaces than a skater using known roller skates, without havinghis or her progress overly impeded by the objects or skating surfacevariations.

[0016] In various exemplary embodiments, the road skates may alsoinclude an improved braking system. The improved braking system replacesknown braking devices, such as brake pads, with at least one brakewheel. The brake wheel is positioned, via a brake wheel brace, similarlyto known braking devices, but allows for smoother, more controllablebraking. The brake wheel is rotatably attached to the brake wheel bracesuch that a tensioning screw allows a user to adjust the frictionalresistance that is applied to the free rotation of the brake wheel.Thus, the amount of resistance, and braking force, that the brake wheelprovides is adjustable by the skater.

[0017] In various exemplary embodiments, the improved braking systemincludes a single, fore brake wheel positioned above a planar rollingsurface of the road skates and forward of the fore axle assembly suchthat at least a portion of the fore brake wheel is positioned forward ofthe main wheels rotatably connected to the fore axle assembly.Alternatively, the improved braking system may include a single, aftbrake wheel positioned above a planar rolling surface of the road skatesand aft of the aft axle assembly such that at least a portion of the aftbrake wheel is positioned aft of the main wheels rotatably connected tothe aft axle assembly.

[0018] In various exemplary embodiments, the improved braking systemincludes both a fore brake wheel and an aft brake wheel, each positionedsubstantially as described above.

[0019] The fore brake wheel and/or the aft brake wheel may be attached,via a separate brake wheel brace, to either the fore axle assembly orthe aft axle assembly, respectively. Alternatively, the fore brake wheeland/or the aft brake wheel may be attached, via a separate brake wheelbrace, to the bottom side of the platform.

[0020] Thus, it should be appreciated that the improved braking systemmay include a brake wheel positioned generally at the front of theskate, a brake wheel positioned generally at the rear of the skate, or apair of brake wheel, one positioned generally at each end of the skate.Furthermore, the fore or aft brake wheel brace(s) may be connected tothe road skate via either the fore axle assembly, the aft axle assembly,the platform, or both the axle assemblies and the platform.

[0021] While skating, if braking is not desired, the improved brakingsystem of this invention maintains the brake wheel(s) above the skatingsurface, such that the brake wheel(s) do not generally contact theskating surface. However, due to the relative position of the brakewheel(s) with respect to the road skate and the skating surface, thebrake wheel(s) is/are able to act as an additional stabilizing devicefor the road skate. For example, if a skater begins to lose balancewhile using known skates, the skates may “fly out from under” theskater. In contrast, if the skater begins to lose balance while usingthe road skates and improved braking system of this invention, the brakewheel(s) will contact the skating surface and assist the skater inregaining his or her balance.

[0022] If braking is desired, the improved braking system of thisinvention allows the skater to merely pivot the road skate in thedirection of a brake wheel (by, for example, lifting the heel if theroad skate includes a fore brake wheel, lifting the toe if the roadskate includes an aft brake wheel, or lifting either the heel or the toeif the road skate includes both a fore brake wheel and an aft brakewheel), until the brake wheel contacts the skating surface. When thebrake wheel contacts the skating surface, the friction caused by thebrake wheel, as the brake wheel frictionally resists free rotation,causes the main wheels of the road skate to slow their rotation and, inturn, slow the road skate and the skater down. When braking is no longerdesired, the skate is pivoted towards a direction that will allow allfour main wheels to substantially contact the skating surface. In thismanner, the brake wheel(s) return to a position wherein the brakewheel(s) do not generally contact the skating surface.

[0023] Because the tensionable screw is adjustable by the skater, theamount of frictional resistance that a brake wheel exhibits to freerotation can be adjusted by the skater. Thus, for example, thetensionable screw may be adjusted to allow a brake wheel to rotatefreely, allowing the brake wheel to act merely as a stabilizer.Alternatively, the tensionable screw may be adjusted to substantiallykeep a brake wheel from rotating, allowing the brake wheel to act as abrake pad. Within these two extremes, the tensionable screw may beadjusted to allow a brake wheel to exhibit a desired degree ofresistance to free rotation.

[0024] A skater may, for example, adjust the tensionable screw of thefore brake wheel such that the fore brake wheel will exhibit arelatively high resistance to free rotation and thereby provide a moresignificant amount of braking force when contacting the skating surface.The skater may also choose to adjust the tensionable screw of the aftbrake wheel such that the aft brake wheel will exhibit a relatively lowresistance to free rotation, thereby providing a less significant amountof braking force when contacting the skating surface. Thus, the skatermay adjust each tensionable screw such that a desired level of brakingforce may be exhibited by either the fore and/or the aft break wheel.

[0025] Accordingly, this invention provides a road skate that allows auser to skate on surfaces having a more varied texture than known rollerskates.

[0026] This invention separately provides a braking system wherein theamount of braking force of a braking wheel is adjustable by the user.

[0027] This invention separately provides a braking system wherein theamount of braking force of a fore or aft braking wheel is independentlyadjustable by the user.

[0028] This invention separately provides axles that improve theskater's ability to turn.

[0029] This invention separately provides a design that supplies anadjustable amount of braking force through at least one brake wheel.

[0030] This invention separately provides a road skate braking systemthat allows the skater to apply a predictable braking force to theskating surface.

[0031] This invention separately provides a braking system that allows askater to adjust the amount of braking force and avoid brake lock up.

[0032] This invention separately provides a braking system that allows askater to maintain a greater degree of control while braking.

[0033] This invention separately provides a braking system that allows askater to apply a more predictable amount of braking force whilestopping or slowing down.

[0034] This invention separately provides a braking system whereinhigher braking forces can be maintained without causing the brake wheelto skid on the skating surface.

[0035] This invention separately provides a braking system that providesa relatively consistent braking force as greater weight is placed overthe braking wheel.

[0036] This invention separately provides a braking system that providesadded stability to the road skates.

[0037] These and other features and advantages of this invention aredescribed in or are apparent from the following detailed description ofthe exemplary embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and/or theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described indetail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0039]FIG. 1A is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a roadskate with an improved braking system according to this invention; 20FIG. 1B is a side view of the road skate with an improved braking systemof FIG. 1A, showing additional detail of the brake wheel assemblies andthe axle assemblies;

[0040]FIG. 2A is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a roadskate with an improved braking system according to this invention;

[0041]FIG. 2B is a side view of the road skate with an improved brakingsystem of FIG. 2A, showing additional detail of the fore axle assembly;

[0042]FIG. 3A is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a roadskate component according to this invention;

[0043]FIG. 3B is a front view of the road skate component of FIG. 3A;

[0044]FIG. 4A is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a roadskate component according to this invention; and

[0045]FIG. 4B is a front view of the road skate component of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0046] For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and layoutof the road skate with an improved braking system and the road skatecomponent according to this invention are explained with reference totwo exemplary embodiments of a road skate with an improved brakingsystem and two exemplary embodiments of the road skate componentaccording to this invention. The basic explanation of the exemplaryembodiments of the road skate with an improved braking system and theexemplary embodiments of the road skate component is applicable for theunderstanding and design of the constituent components employed in theroad skate with an improved braking system and the road skate componentof this invention.

[0047] Furthermore, for simplicity and clarification, the embodiments ofthis invention will be described with reference to road skates. However,it should be appreciated that the terms “road skate” and “road skates”are for a basic explanation and understanding of certain of theconstituent components of this invention. Therefore, the terms “roadskate” and “road skates” are not to be construed as limiting thisinvention, but should be understood to include any similarly configuredrideable or drivable, wheeled apparatus, such as, for example, rollerskates, skate boards, scooters, inline skates, or the like, whether userpropelled or motorized.

[0048]FIGS. 1A and 1B show a side view of a first exemplary embodimentof a road skate with an improved braking system 100 according to thisinvention. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the road skate with improvedbraking system 100 comprises a boot 110, a platform 120, a fore axleassembly, an aft axle assembly, and at least one brake wheel assembly.

[0049] In various exemplary embodiments, the platform 120 is made oflaminated plywood. However, it should be appreciated that the platform120 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as wood, plastic,metal, composite, or the like. Furthermore, the specific width, length,and shape of the platform 120 may vary depending on, for example, thesize of the user's foot or the size of the fore or aft axle assembly.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the boot 110 is attached (eitherpermanently or temporarily) to a top side of the platform 120. It shouldbe appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, the boot 110 maybe replaced with one or more safety straps (not shown) for securing askater's foot to the platform 120.

[0051] Two axle assembles are attached (either permanently ortemporarily) to a bottom side of the platform 120. A fore axle assemblyis generally positioned below a toe area of the platform 120, and an aftaxle assembly is generally positioned below a heel area of the platform120.

[0052] The fore axle assembly comprises a fore base plate 130, a forebushing 132, a fore hangar 134, a fore kingpin (not shown), a fore axle136, and a pair of fore main wheels 138. Likewise, the aft axle assemblyincludes an aft base plate 160, an aft bushing 162, an aft hangar 164,an aft kingpin (not shown), an aft axle 166, and a pair of aft mainwheels 168.

[0053] The fore axle assembly and the aft axle assembly are generallyattached to the bottom side of the platform 120 via the fore base plate130 and the aft base plate 160, respectively. The fore kingpin (notshown) and the aft kingpin (not shown) are typically bolts that are usedto attach the fore hangar 134 and the aft hangar 164, via the forebushing 132 and the aft bushing 162, respectively, to the fore baseplate 130 and the aft base plate 160, respectively. The tension of thekingpin of either the fore axle assembly or the aft axle assembly may beadjusted to tighten or loosen the respective axle assembly.

[0054] It should be appreciated that, in order for the road skate withimproved braking system 100 to turn properly, the fore axle assembly andthe aft axle assembly must be positioned on the platform 120 such thatthe fore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162 face each other.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1B, the fore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162are positioned between the fore hangar 134 and the fore base plate 130,and the aft hangar 164 and the aft base plate 160. In this manner, thefore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162 provide a “cushion” or shockabsorber to absorb vibration created by the fore main wheels 138 and theaft main wheels 168 traveling over variations in a skating surface. Thefore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162 are available in varioushardnesses. Thus, the skater may install fore bushing 132 and aftbushing 162 of a desired hardness and thereby customize the “ride” ofthe road skate with improved braking system 100 to a desired comfortablelevel.

[0056] In various exemplary embodiments, the fore axle assembly and theaft axle assembly are substantially similar to the axle, or truck,assemblies commonly used with skateboards.

[0057] Each of the fore main wheels 138 is rotatably connected to aseparate end of the fore axle 136. Similarly, each of the aft mainwheels 168 is rotatably connected to a separate end of the aft axle 166.Each of these elements of the aft axle assembly are constructed andoperate similarly to the same elements of the fore axle assembly.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, two brake wheel assemblies are alsoattached to the bottom side of the platform 120. A fore brake wheelassembly is generally positioned forward of the fore axle assembly andan aft brake wheel assembly is generally positioned behind the aft axleassembly. The fore brake wheel assembly includes a fore brake wheelbrace 140, a fore brake wheel 150, and a fore tensionable screw 142.Likewise, the aft brake wheel assembly includes an aft brake wheel brace170, an aft brake wheel 180, and an aft tensionable screw 172.

[0059] The fore brake wheel brace 140 is a substantially “U” shapedbracket that allows the fore brake wheel 150 to be rotatably connectedbetween the legs of the brace, to at least one leg of the wheel brace,via a tensionable screw. In various exemplary embodiments, the forebrake wheel brace 140 is a substantially “L” shaped bracket that allowsthe fore brake wheel 150 to be rotatably connected to a single leg ofthe wheel brace, via a fore tensionable screw 142.

[0060] The fore brake wheel brace 140 positions the fore brake wheel 150generally above a planar rolling surface of the road skates and forwardof the fore axle assembly such that at least a portion of the fore brakewheel 150 is positioned forward of the fore main wheels 138.

[0061] The fore tensionable screw 142 allows the user to adjust theamount of frictional resistance that is applied to the free rotation ofthe brake wheel. For example, if the fore tensionable screw 142 istightened (typically by rotating a fore tensionable screw nut (notnumbered) in a clockwise direction), the amount of frictional resistancethat is applied to the free rotation of the brake wheel is increased. Ifthe fore tensionable screw 142 is loosened (typically by rotating a foretensionable screw nut (not numbered) in a counterclockwise direction),the amount of frictional resistance that is applied to the free rotationof the brake wheel is decreased.

[0062] It should be appreciated that each of the elements of the aftbrake wheel assembly are constructed and operate similarly to the sameelements of the fore brake wheel assembly.

[0063] In various exemplary embodiments, the pair of fore main wheels138, and the pair of aft main wheels 168, include both an inner wheelportion and an outer tire portion, wherein an outer diameter of theouter tire portion for each of the fore main wheels 138 and the aft mainwheels 168 is substantially equal. Likewise, the fore brake wheel 150and the aft brake wheel 180 also include an inner wheel portion and anouter tire portion, wherein an outer diameter of the outer tire portionof the fore brake wheel 150 and the aft brake wheel 180 is substantiallyequal. In various exemplary embodiments, the outer diameter of the outertire portion of the fore brake wheel 150 and the aft brake wheel 180 isless than the outer diameter of the outer tire portion of the fore mainwheels 138 and the aft main wheels 168.

[0064] It should be appreciated that appropriate materials for the foremain wheels 138, the aft main wheels 168, the fore brake wheel 150, theaft brake wheel 180 are selected based on the conditions that areexpected to occur during use of the road skate with improved brakingsystem 100.

[0065]FIGS. 2A and 2B show a side view of a second exemplary embodimentof a road skate with an improved braking system 200 according to thisinvention. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the road skate with improvedbraking system 200 comprises a boot 210, a platform 220, a fore baseplate 230, a fore bushing 232, a fore hangar 234, a fore kingpin (notshown), a fore axle 236, a pair of fore main wheels 238, a fore brakewheel brace 240, a fore tensionable screw 242, a fore brake wheel 250,an aft base plate 260, an aft bushing (not numbered), an aft hangar (notnumbered), an aft kingpin (not shown), an aft axle (not numbered), apair of aft main wheels 268, an aft brake wheel brace (not numbered), anaft brake wheel 280, and an aft tensionable screw (not numbered).

[0066] It should be appreciated that each of these elements operatessimilarly to and performs essentially the same basic role as the sameelements discussed above with respect to the road skate with improvedbraking system 100. However, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fore brakewheel brace 240 and the aft brake wheel brace (not numbered) areattached, either permanently or temporarily, to the fore base plate 230and the aft base plate 260, respectively.

[0067] When the fore brake wheel brace 240 and/or the aft brake wheelbrace (not numbered) are attached to a portion of the road skate with animproved braking system 200, the platform 220 may take a different shapethan the platform 120, as described above. For example, a length of theplatform 220 may be shorter than a length of the platform 120.Alternatively, the platform 220 may comprise two individual platformareas, one positioned generally below a toe area of the boot 210 and onepositioned generally below a heel area of the boot 210. These individualplatform areas may be connected by a reinforcing member or may beseparate from one other and connected only by their attachment to theboot 210.

[0068]FIGS. 3A and 3B show a side view and a front view, respectively,of a first exemplary embodiment of a road skate component 300 accordingto this invention. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the road skate component300 comprises a platform 320, a base plate 330, a bushing (notnumbered), a hangar 334, a kingpin (not shown), a axle 336, a pair ofmain wheels 338, a brake wheel brace 340, a tensionable screw 342, and abrake wheel 350.

[0069] It should be appreciated that each of these elements operatessimilarly to and performs essentially the same basic role as the sameelements discussed above with respect to the road skate with improvedbraking system 100. However, the road skate component 300, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, may be attached, via the platform 320, to a variety ofapparatuses. For example, the road skate component 300 may be used, withsmaller diameter main wheels 338 and a smaller diameter brake wheel 350,as a replacement for one or both of the wheel assemblies on askateboard. Alternatively, two of the road skate component 300 may beused to construct a road skate, a skateboard, a scooter, or the like.

[0070] Although FIGS. 3A and 3B show the platform 320, the base plate330, and the wheel brace 340 as separate and distinct portions of theroad skate component 300, it should also be appreciated that two or moreof these elements (or portions of these elements) may be integrated intoa single combined element. Thus, for example, the platform 320 and thewheel brace 340 may comprise a single element that is capable of beingaffixed to the base plate 330 to form the road skate component 300.Similarly, all three of the elements, the platform 320, the base plate330, and the wheel brace 340, may be combined to comprise a singleelement.

[0071]FIGS. 4A and 4B show a side and a front view, respectively, of asecond exemplary embodiment of a road skate component 400 according tothis invention. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the road skate component400 comprises a base plate 430, a bushing (not numbered), a hangar 434,a kingpin (not shown), a axle 436, a pair of main wheels 438, a brakewheel brace 440, a tensionable screw 442, and a brake wheel 450.

[0072] It should be appreciated that each of these elements operatessimilarly to and performs essentially the same basic role as the sameelements discussed above with respect to the road skate with improvedbraking system 100 and the road skate component 300. However, the brakewheel brace 440 of the road skate component 400, as shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B, is configured similarly to the fore brake wheel brace 240 or theaft brake wheel brace 270, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B as a portion ofthe road skate with improved braking system 200. Thus, the brake wheelbrace 440 is attached to the base plate 430. Although it is notnecessary for the road skate component 400 to include the platform 420(not shown), various exemplary embodiments of the road skate component400 may include a platform 420 (not shown).

[0073] Although FIGS. 4A and 4B show the base plate 430 and the wheelbrace 440 a single integrated element of the road skate component 400,it should also be appreciated that the base plate 430 and the wheelbrace 440 may comprise separate and distinct elements that are capableof being attached to form the road skate component 400.

[0074] In the various exemplary embodiments described above and thevarious drawing Figures included herewith, the road skates are describedand shown as including two brake wheel assemblies and the road skatecomponents are described and shown as including a brake wheel assembly.However, it should be appreciated that various exemplary embodiments ofthe road skates of this invention may not include one or both of thebrake wheel assemblies. Thus, a road skate having two brake wheelassemblies, one brake wheel assembly (either a fore brake wheel assemblyor an aft brake wheel assembly), or no brake wheel assemblies iscontemplated by this invention. Similarly, a road skate component havingno brake wheel assembly is also contemplated by this invention.

[0075] It should also be appreciated that although the braking systemsdescribed herein have been described in conjunction with enlarged mainwheels, in various exemplary embodiments, the braking systems describedherein may be used in conjunction with roller skates having typicalroller skate wheels. In these various embodiments, the diameter of anymain wheels and the diameter of any brake wheels may be altered based onthe particular application.

[0076] Likewise, it should also be appreciated that the braking systemsdescribed herein may be used on Skateboards. In such exemplaryembodiments, braking may be achieved by tilting the front portion of theskateboard upwards causing a brake wheel (as opposed to the brake pad(s)typically attached to the bottom side of the skateboard, aft of the rearwheels), to contact the skating surface and produce a braking force.

[0077] While this invention has been described in conjunction with theexemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of theinvention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, notlimiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A road skate, comprising: a platform having a topside and a bottom side; a fore axle assembly, comprising a fore axle anda fore base plate, wherein the fore axle includes a first end and asecond end, and wherein the fore axle assembly is attached to the bottomside of the platform at a location near a front end of the platform suchthat the fore axle is arranged substantially transversely of theplatform; an aft axle assembly, comprising a aft axle and an aft baseplate, wherein the aft axle includes a first end and a second end, andwherein the aft axle assembly is attached to the bottom side of theplatform at a location near a rear end of the platform such that the aftaxle is arranged substantially transversely of the platform; four mainwheel assemblies, each main wheel assembly having a substantiallysimilar outer diameter, wherein each main wheel assembly comprises aninner wheel portion and an outer tire portion, each outer tire portionhaving a substantially similar outer diameter, and wherein one mainwheel assembly is rotatably connected on the first end of the fore axle,one main wheel assembly is rotatably connected on the second end of thefore axle, one main wheel assembly is rotatably connected on the firstend of the aft axle, and one main wheel assembly is rotatably connectedon the second end of the aft axle; a brake wheel assembly attached to atleast one of the platform, the fore axle assembly, or the aft axleassembly, wherein the brake wheel assembly comprises a brake wheel bracehaving a brake wheel rotatably connected to at least one leg of thewheel brace by a tensionable screw, such that the ease of rotation ofthe brake wheel is adjustable by the tensionable screw.
 2. The roadskate of claim 1, further comprising a boot including a boot sole,wherein the boot sole is attached to the top side of the platform. 3.The road skate of claim 1, further comprising a boot including a bootsole, wherein the platform is the boot sole.
 4. The road skate of claim1, wherein the fore axle assembly and the aft axle assembly arepermanently attached to the bottom side of the platform.
 5. The roadskate of claim 1, wherein the fore axle assembly and the aft axleassembly are removably attached to the bottom side of the platform. 6.The road skate of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the tireportion of each of the main wheels extends above the bottom side of theplatform.
 7. The road skate of claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of thebrake wheel is less than the outer diameter of the main wheelassemblies.
 8. The road skate of claim 1, wherein the brake wheel ispositioned such that the brake wheel is above a planar rolling surfaceof the road skate.
 9. The road skate of claim 1, wherein the brake wheelis positioned forward of the fore axle assembly such that at least aportion of the brake wheel is positioned forward of the main wheelassemblies rotatably connected to the fore axle.
 10. The road skate ofclaim 1, wherein the brake wheel is positioned aft of the aft axleassembly such that at least a portion of the brake wheel is positionedaft of the main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the aft axle.11. The road skate of claim 1, wherein a fore brake wheel is positionedforward of the fore axle assembly such that at least a portion of thebrake wheel is positioned forward of the main wheel assemblies rotatablyconnected to the fore axle, and an aft brake wheel is positioned aft ofthe aft axle assembly such that at least a portion of the brake wheel ispositioned aft of the main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to theaft axle.
 12. A kit for a road skate, comprising: a platform having atop side and a bottom side; two axle assemblies, each axle assemblycomprising an axle and a base plate, wherein each axle includes a firstend and a second end, and wherein each axle assembly is attachable tothe bottom side of the platform; four main wheel assemblies, each mainwheel assembly having a substantially similar outer diameter, whereineach main wheel assembly comprises an inner wheel portion and an outertire portion, each outer tire portion having a substantially similarouter diameter, and wherein each main wheel assembly is rotatablyconnectable to the first end or the second end of at least one of theaxles; at least one brake wheel assembly, comprising a brake wheel bracehaving a brake wheel rotatably connected to at least one leg of thebrake wheel brace by a tensionable screw, such that the ease of rotationof the brake wheel is adjustable by the tensionable screw, wherein thebrake wheel assembly is attachable to at least one of the platform orone of the axle assemblies; attachment means for attaching the axleassemblies to the bottom side of the platform; and retaining means forretaining a user's foot to the top side of the platform.
 13. The kit ofclaim 12, wherein at least a portion of the tire portion of each of themain wheels extends above the bottom side of the platform.
 14. The kitof claim 12, wherein the attachment means includes fastening means toattach the two axle assemblies to the bottom side of the platform. 15.The kit of claim 12, wherein the attachment means includes an adhesivefor attaching the two axle assemblies to the bottom side of theplatform.
 16. The kit of claim 12, wherein the retaining means includesfoot straps attached to the top side of the platform for retaining theuser's foot on the top side of the platform.
 17. The kit of claim 12,wherein the retaining means includes a boot attached to the top side ofthe platform for retaining the user's foot on the top side of theplatform.
 18. A road skate component, comprising: an axle assemblyincluding an axle and a base plate, wherein the axle includes a firstend and a second end, and wherein the base plate allows the axleassembly to be attachable to a platform; two main wheel assemblies, eachmain wheel assembly having an inner wheel portion and an outer tireportion, and each outer tire portion having a substantially similarouter diameter, wherein one main wheel assembly is rotatably connectedon the first end of the axle and one main wheel assembly is rotatablyconnected on the second end of the axle; and a brake wheel assemblyattached to the axle assembly, wherein the brake wheel assemblycomprises a brake wheel brace having a brake wheel rotatably connectedto at least one leg of the wheel brace by a tensionable screw, such thatthe ease of rotation of the brake wheel is adjustable by the tensionablescrew.
 19. The road skate component of claim 18, wherein an outerdiameter of the brake wheel is less than the outer diameter of the outertire portion of the main wheel assemblies.
 20. The road skate componentof claim 18, wherein the brake wheel is positioned such that the brakewheel is above a planar rolling surface of the main wheel assembliesrotatably connected to the axle.
 21. The road skate component of claim18, wherein the brake wheel is positioned forward of the axle assemblysuch that at least a portion of the brake wheel is positioned forward ofthe main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the axle.